Course

Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Sport Science
Course code
SPSC 4231
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Course description
The course provides an in-depth and advanced exploration of the field of sport and exercise psychology. It situates sport and exercise behaviours and experiences within developmental, psychological, psychosocial, socio-cultural, and environmental contexts. A main focus throughout the course is on the application of theories and research to practical settings and situations within sport and exercise. As a part of this course, students have the opportunity to apply for the designation of 'trained status' in specific modules with the Coaching Association of Canada's (CAC) National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). This application with CAC will incur additional fees.
Course content
  • Mental training programs
    • Interventions and strategies
    • Conceptual frameworks of mental excellence
    • Program planning and delivery
    • Season and annual planning
    • Personal mental training program development
    • Working with teams
  • Developmental sport and exercise psychology
    • Self-esteem, self-concept, and physical activity
    • Developmental model of youth sport
    • Environmental influences on development
  • Advanced/contemporary topics in sport and exercise psychology chosen from the following:  
    • Mental health and wellness in athletes, coaches, referees, and others sport staff
    • Psychology of injury and rehabilitation 
    • Psychology of recovery and regeneration
    • Overtraining and burnout in sport
    • Career transitions in sport
    • Violence and aggression in sport
    • Moral development through sport 
    • Preparing mentally for major competitions (e.g., Olympics/Paralympics/Worlds)
    • Coaching psychology
    • Coach-athlete relationship(s)
    • Power imbalances in sport 
    • Development of expertise in sport
    • Clinical issues in sport and exercise psychology 
    • Aging and involvement in sport and physical activity (masters athletes)
    • Personality in sport and exercise psychology
    • Indigenous experiences in sport and physical activity
    • LGBTQ experiences in sport and physical activity
    • Gender, physical, and racial diversity in sport and physical activity
    • Gender and cultural considerations in sport and exercise psychology
    • Other topics that may be current, relevant, and/or of personal interest/expertise 
Learning activities
Lecture
2. Discussion groups
3. Practical applications
4. Field observation and/or video observation
5. Self-study via print or online materials
6. Reading assignments
7. Online discussion groups
8. Instructor tutorin

Classroom time will be used for lectures, opportunities for students to collaborate such as discussion groups, experiential learning activities, and case analysis. Outside of class, readings may be assigned, and self study using print or online materials may be used.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Mental Skills Training Program 20-30%
Advanced Topics Presentation 20-30%
Mental Skills - Student Led Workshops  15-30%
Reading Questions and/or Assignments 10-30%
Participation 0-10%
Total 100%

Note: Students will need to receive a grade of D or better in the course to be eligible to receive the designation of 'trained status' in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) module(s) embedded in this course. 

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • investigate psychological skills training programs within sport and exercise settings;
  • design, deliver, and evaluate a personal sport/exercise mental training program;
  • identify the role of development as it relates to sport and exercise psychology behaviours and experiences;
  • explain how psychological, psychosocial, cultural, and contextual factors influence enjoyment, engagement, and performance in sport and exercise;
  • apply psychosocial skills interventions as a coach, teacher, and exercise leader;
  • identify the role of theories, conceptual frameworks, and research in sport and exercise psychology and related professions.
Textbook materials
Will be decided by course instructors. Potential resources include:
Course Pack with readings from journal articles, and relevant book chapters.

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example text books may include:

Horn, T.S, & Smith, A.L. (Current Edition). Advances in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics.

To receive the designation of 'trained status' in specific NCCP modules, students will be required to purchase supplementary materials online, directly from viaSport. Students will incur a cost associated with these additional materials. 

Requisites

Prerequisites

60 credits, including SPSC 1164 and SPSC 2231

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for SPSC 4231
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV KIN 266 (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2026

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
30
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - South Bldg.
Room
S1812
Times:
Start Time
16:30
-
End Time
18:20
Section notes

SPSC 4231 001 - Registration is restricted to Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching students until December 1st, 2025.